As it happened: Raiders outmuscle Sea Eagles; Nine straight for Panthers

Press Conference

Full-time: An Ethan Strange hat-trick has inspired the Raiders to a 28-12 victory over Manly at GIO Stadium. Canberra were made to work for the win, with the Sea Eagles throwing plenty at their opponents and hitting the front early in the second half. The hosts, however, were superb in defence and took their game to another level to score three unanswered tries to take control of the contest. Manly were dealt a blow midway through the contest when Jake Trbojevic suffered a head knock in a heavy collision with Josh Papalii. The forward was later ruled out of the remainder of the match. Raiders 28 - Sea Eagles 12. 

78th minute: We've got a Raiders Captain's Challenge after Ethan Strange spilled the ball. The Bunker quickly rules the ball travelled forward and Manly receive a scrum. Raiders 28 - Sea Eagles 12. 

73rd minute: Canberra have turned defence into attack yet again, but this time they have fallen short of points. Manly put up an attacking bomb for Jason Saab, with Seb Kris scooping up the loose ball on his own goal line and streaking free, Xavier Savage was eventually dragged down. Hudson Young caught the ball after the play the ball, however his inside ball was ruled forward and Manly survive. Raiders 28 - Sea Eagles 12.

64th minute: The Raiders defensive pressure has forced the Sea Eagles to take some risks and this one has not paid off. Seb Kris scooped up a wayward pass and ran 40 metres to extend his side's lead. Raiders 28 - Sea Eagles 12. 

60th minute: Confirmation Jake Trbojevic will miss the remainder of this contest and he's also set to sit out next week's clash with the Wests Tigers in a double blow for Manly. Raiders 22 - Sea Eagles 12. 

57th minute: Concern here for Jake Trbojevic who attempted to tackle a charging Josh Papalii off the kick off. The Manly forward's head collided with Papalii's shoulder and he crashed to the ground. Trbojevic has been sent for an HIA. Raiders 22 - Sea Eagles 12.

55th minute: Ethan Strange has a hat-trick but he owes much of the credit to Jed Stuart who produced one of the best flick passes we'll see all year. The winger was being tackled by Jason Saab and drew in Tom Trbojevic before flicking the ball back inside to Strange, who fended off Daly Cherry-Evans and scored his third of the night. Raiders 22 - Sea Eagles 12.

51st minute: The Manly try seems to have sparked the Raiders into action and they have immediately hit back. A penalty put the hosts on the attack before Ethan Strange charged on to the ball, stepped off his left foot, beat multiple defenders and slammed the ball down to put his side back on top. Raiders 16 - Sea Eagles 12.

47th minute: Given the sheer weight of possession, it was only a matter of time before Manly finally broke through. Tolu Koula set up the first try and he's scored their second, wrongfooting Jamal Fogarty and fending the halfback off to level the scores. Reuben Garrick then made no mistake with the conversion to put his team in front. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 12.

43rd minute: Canberra spilled the ball in their opening set of the half, handing their opponents another opportunity to score. Tom Trbojevic came close a couple of times, but the Raiders defence was up to the task and they bundled the fullback into touch on the last tackle to maintain their lead. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6.

Kick-off: We are back for the second half, with Canberra looking to extend their lead. Manly are desperate to crack the Raiders defence as they battle to keep their top-eight hopes alive. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6. 

Half-time: Both teams have traded long-range field goal attempts in the final minute of an enthralling half of football in Canberra. Manly burst out of the blocks before Canberra hit back with two tries. The match turned when Kaeo Weekes was sent to the sin bin in the 19th minute and the Sea Eagles largely controlled the final 20 minutes of the half. Manly, however, were unable to break through and the Raiders valiantly defended their own line to hold on to a four-point lead at the break. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6. 

38th minute: The Raiders continue to defend their line. Manly keep generating repeat sets but they just can't crack the Canberra defensive riddle as they look to equalise. This time the attacking raid ends when Jason Saab is unable to gather a low pass and the hosts hold on. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6.

33rd minute: Manly are asking plenty of questions but the Raiders so far have the answers. The Sea Eagles came agonisingly close on multiple occasions as they launched a sustained attacking raid, with the hosts producing a number of try-saving tackles. The pressure was eased when Daly Cherry-Evans sent a grubber dead and the Raiders received a seven-tackle set. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6.

29th minute: Kaeo Weekes has returned to the field, with Manly failing to score a point while holding a man advantage. The visitors are, however, currently on the attack and looking to level the scores. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6. Knights v Panthers; 

24th minute: Manly have threatened a couple of times with the man advantage but the hosts continue to scramble desperately. This time Jed Stuart has done just enough to prevent Jason Saab getting on his outside and manage to take the winger into touch. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6.

19th minute: A big moment in this game with Kaeo Weekes sent to the sin bin. Luke Brookes made a half break and put a grubber through amid some Raiders defenders. The playmaker toed the ball forward and had his jumper grabbed by Weekes, with the Raiders fullback handed a 10-minute rest. Raiders 10 - Sea Eagles 6.

14th minute: The Raiders have found their groove now. A penalty for a high tackle handed the hosts more attacking field position and they quickly capitalised. A right-edge shift saw Kaeo Weekes create an overlap and while Manly initially scrambled well, they couldn't shut down the offloads and Xavier Savage dived over in the corner. Raiders 10 - Knights 6.

12th minute: The Raiders are on the board. The penalty provided the platform to attack, with Canberra forcing a line dropout at the end of the set. Ethan Strange then did the rest, stepping past Daly Cherry-Evans to put his side on the board. Raiders 6 - Sea Eagles 6.

8th minute: Important defensive stand there by the Raiders, who were under considerable pressure early. A penalty in the set after points put the visitors straight back on the attack before Jake Trbojevic helped force a line dropout. Manly came close to scoring before Matt Lodge spilled the ball and they conceded a penalty moments later to release the pressure. Raiders 0 - Sea Eagles 6.

4th minute: Manly have stunned the Raiders early, with the visitors shifting the ball from deep inside their own half. Tolu Koula got on Xavier Savage's outside before sprinting past the winger and racing down the sideline. He kicked infield and Tom Trbojevic was on the spot to claim the opening points of the game. Raiders 0 - Sea Eagles 6. 

Kick-off: We are underway at GIO Stadium with Canberra having first use of the ball in bitterly cold conditions. The Raiders are eager to bounce back after last week's shock loss to St George Illawarra as they chase the minor premiership. Manly are rapidly entering must-win territory as their finals hopes threaten to slip through their grasp. Raiders 0 - Sea Eagles 0.

Late Mail 

Raiders: With the bye next week, Ricky Stuart has opted to take a cautious approach with injured duo Matty Nicholson and Savelio Tamale. The duo remain sidelined, so the Raiders will field an unchanged side despite last week's loss to St George Illawarra. No changes in Friday's team update, with Noah Martin the 18th man. 

Sea Eagles: Just one minor change in Friday's final team update, with Jazz Tevaga and Jake Simpkin trading places, with Simpkin to start at hooker. Tom Trbojevic is set to return to fullback after Lehi Hopoate succumbed to a shoulder injury, with Tommy Talau coming into the centres. Michael Chee Kam is preparing for his first NRL game since Round 23 last year after Ben Trbojevic was placed in the concussion protocol. No changes in Thursday's 24-hour update.

Knights v Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium

Press Conference

Full-time: Penrith's push for the half century did not eventuate, but they'll happily return home with two competition points in tow. The Panthers have now won nine in a row and temporarily find themselves inside the top four. Newcastle were valiant at times, but they struggled to keep pace with their opponents and were blown away in the end. Knights 12 - Panthers 48.

79th minute: We have a late trip to the Bunker with Nathan Cleary producing a banana kick for Brian To'o. The winger leapt for the ball and spilt it as he was tackled in the air. It's no try but Penrith receive a penalty with 79 seconds left in the contest. Knights 12 - Panthers 48.

73rd minute: The Panthers capitalise, with Izack Tago breaking through some lax Knights defence to score his side's ninth try of the night. Knights 12 - Panthers 48

71st minute: We've got a Captain's Challenge after a contest for a bomb led to a knock on. The initial ruling was a Panthers error, however replays show it touched the Knights first and Penrith have an attacking scrum. Knights 12 - Panthers 42.

67th minute: Penrith are closing this one out now, with Nathan Cleary producing another pinpoint grubber into the in goal. Dane Gagai is again in the mix, with Casey McLean racing through in a bid to score. McLean stuck his hand out to ground the ball as a big puddle of water splashed into the air. The Bunker took a close look at it before eventually awarding the try. Knights 12 - Panthers 42.

63rd minute: The Knights joy is short-lived, with Penrith scoring just a couple of plays after the line drop out. Newcastle thought the ball was going out the back to Nathan Cleary, but Mitch Kenny hit Isaiah Papali'i with a short ball and the lock beat a couple of defenders on his way to the try line. Knights 12 - Panthers 38. 

62nd minute: Another visit to the Bunker, with a potential Penrith try under review this time. Izack Tago is chasing a Nathan Cleary grubber, Dane Gagai dives desperately and just grounds it before the Panther can do so. Knights 12 - Panthers 32.

57th minute: There's no taking this one off Jermaine McEwen. A Liam Martin handed the Knights possession and they attacked from deep inside their own half. Bradman Best sliced through the Penrith defensive line before sending McEwen on his way for their second try of the night. Penrith have come off the boil a little bit in the second half and Newcastle have a pulse. Knights 12 - Panthers 32. 

55th minute: Another trip to the Bunker, but this time he is not ruling in the Knights favour. Jermaine McEwen spilled a short ball before kicking the loose ball down the field. The referee let play continue as McEwen charged through to ground the ball before sending the play upstairs. The Bunker quickly confirmed the knock on and the Panthers have a scrum in a mud put on halfway. Knights 6 - Panthers 32.

53rd minute: We're off to the Bunker with Mat Croker claiming a try after a race for a grubber in the in-goal. The referee felt Mitch Kenny grounded it first, with the Bunker ruling it a simultaneous grounding after both men put their hands on the ball. The advantage goes to the attacking side and the Knights are on the board. Knights 6 - Panthers 32.

45th minute: You had the sense Penrith were determined to avoid a repeat of last week's collapse and they've come out firing to start the second half. A penalty for dangerous contact on Nathan Cleary provided the visitors a chance to attack and they made the most of it. Casey McLean crashed over from short range as heavy rain begins to fall in Newcastle.

A blow for the Knights, with Phoenix Crossland ruled out for the match after failing his HIA. Knights 0 - Panthers 32.

Kick-off: We are back for the second half, with Newcastle having first use of the ball. Penrith let a big lead slip last night and the Knights will have to strike first if they are to repeat the dose tonight. Knights 0 - Panthers 26.

Half-time: The opening 40 minutes were a Penrith masterclass in patience and building sustained pressure. The Panthers dominated possession and territory to slowly grind their opponents down until they cracked. The Knights were valiant in defence but To'o's 38th-minute try was followed up by a Tom Jenkins four-pointer as the half-time siren sounded to blow this game apart. Penrith led 24-0 last week and nearly lost to the Titans, they lead 26-0 tonight. Will Newcastle mount a similar rally after the break? Knights 0 - Panthers 26.

38th minute: Penrith just keep knocking on the door until they bust it open. Newcastle did a great job defending multiple sets of six on their own line, however it was only a matter of time before the fatigue caught up with them and eventually Brian To'o scored a spectacular leaping try in the corner to deliver a crucial blow on the stroke of half time. Knights 0 - Panthers 20.

33rd minute: The Knights successfully defended multiple sets on their own line, but they have lost Phoenix Crossland to a HIA. With seven minutes left in the half, we'll find out at half-time if he is fit to return. Knights 0 - Panthers 16.

29th minute: Scott Sorensen's involvement in that last try came moments after he replaced lock Isaiah Papali'i, who left the field with a nasty gash. The forward went straight up the tunnel for treatment but the Panthers expect him to return. 

Meanwhile, a Dane Gagai error has given Penrith another chance to attack. Knights 0 - Panthers 16.

26th minute: It felt like it was only a matter of time before Penrith struck and they have broken through for their third. A Brian To'o break put the Panthers on the front foot, with Scott Sorensen coming close before offloading the ball, with Liam Henry picking up the loose ball and diving over. Knights 0 - Panthers 16

22nd minute: Penrith are winning the arm wrestle and have dominated field position but their execution has let them down a little bit in the past 10 minutes. An error around halfway provides Newcastle with the chance to build some pressure as they look to hit back. Knights 0 - Panthers 0.

13th minute: Some slick attack from the Panthers, with the left flank again exposing the Knights edge defence. This time the raid came from halfway, with Tom Jenkins racing down the sideline before attempting to kick the ball back in field. The kick went dead and the Knights can breathe a sigh of relief. Knights 0 - Panthers 10.

6th minute: The Panthers have gone bang-bang, with Lindsay Smith scoring their second try in as many sets. An attacking kick to Newcastle winger Greg Marzhew bought a result, with Brian To'o creating a contest to force an error. The ball ended up in Moses Leota's hands, who flicked it out to Smith for the try. Knights 0 - Panthers 10.

4th minute: It's a dream start for the Panthers, with an early set restart providing the visitors a chance to attack. Penrith attacked down the short side through Blaize Talagi, who sent Luke Garner for a relatively simply try. Knights 0 - Panthers 4

Kick-off: We are underway at McDonald Jones Stadium for the second game of Indigenous Round with Newcastle looking to reverse a poor recent record against the defending premiers. The Knights did, however, enjoy a win over the Panthers earlier in the season. Penrith can leapfrog the Warriors into fourth place on the ladder with a win, putting further pressure on Andrew Webster's men heading into tomorrow night's showdown with the Bulldogs. 

Stat Attack

• The Knights have not defeated the Panthers twice in a season since 2013.
• The Panthers have won seven of their past eight games against the Knights.
• Knights winger Dominic Young has scored 26 tries in his last 26 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
• Panthers centre Casey McLean has scored four tries in his last three games.
• Knights hooker Jayden Brailey will make his 150th NRL appearance.

Late Mail

Knights: Representative centre Bradman Best is set to return from a knee injury while coach Adam O'Brien has shaken things up in the halves. Jake Arthur will make his club debut at five-eighth, with Jack Cogger lining up at halfback. Tyson Gamble shifts to 18th man as a result. Jayden Brailey will play his 150th NRL game, while Tyson Frizell will make his 100th appearance for the Knights. "They are two guys I rely on a lot and every time they put on that Knights jersey they give everything they've got," coach Adam O'Brien said on Thursday. Newcastle will line up 1-17, with Gamble the 18th man. 

Panthers: A big blow for the Panthers with co-captain Isaah Yeo ruled out with a shoulder injury. Isaiah Papali'i will shift to lock, with Liam Martin to start in the back row after coming off the bench last week. Scott Sorensen is also on track to return from a leg injury via the interchange. No changes in Friday's final team update with Paul Alamoti the 18th man.